"That's why they have the staff and resources dedicated to helping you find the right course whatever your results."

Mr Cond says the first port of call for students should be the university they applied to in the first place.

"If you've only just missed your target, they will probably still be interested.

"If that doesn't happen, then you can try contacting universities that offer similar courses."

One option is to consider a foundation course, which will give students the skills and experience to move on to degree level later on.

Liverpool JMU is holding a special clearing open day on Saturday, August 16 from 10am to 2pm at the Aldham Robarts Learning Resource Centre, off Maryland Street, Liverpool.

Edge Hill College of Higher Education in Ormskirk is also holding clearing open days on Saturday, August 16 from 11am to 4pm and Wednesday, August 27, from 4pm to 8pm.

Liverpool University is offering campus tours to students who receive a clearing offer on August 16 to 23.

Graham Kelly, acting director of student recruitment, said: "Before you call us, make sure you have your UCAS number, your results and some idea of the programme you wish to study."

There is still time to consider a change of course and teaching is offering more financial incentives to prospective trainees.

A bursary of up to £6,000 while you train is available to become a teacher and students could get their student loans paid off when they qualify, if they choose a shortage subject such as maths, science, modern languages, English, Welsh, design and technology or ICT.

There are still vacancies on Initial Teacher Training courses around the country beginning this September. nPutting a greeting into the ECHO is a great way to say congratulations for passing your exams.

All messages will also be printed in the Liverpool Weekly News Group, the Merseymart and Star series, as well as appearing on the ic Liverpool website.

For full details call 0151-227 3691 from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 8pm or Saturday, 8.30am to 12.30pm.